Diagnostic study of cryptosporidiosis in sheep in al-Qadisiyah province

The present study was designed and conducted during the period from September 2015 until April 2016 to evaluate the microscopic features of the Cryptosporidium parasite, and using of ocular micrometer for determination of length and width of oocysts. One hundred (100) fecal samples were collected from sheep from different areas in AL-Qadisiyah province. Results of microscopic examination showed that the oocyst of parasite appeared oval or spherical in shape, measured from (4.5-5) µm, with a dark pink or red in color on a blue ground. Fifty one 51(51%) sheep out 100 cases were positive. The highest rate of infection was observed in (1-3) years of age with significant differences at (P0.05). According to the area the highest rate of infection was (100%) that observed in Al-Shamia while the least rate of infection was (11.1%) that observed in Al-bidder and the different results showed in other regions with a significant difference at (P